Harmonia is a vocal-instrumental ensemble unique among Pacific Northwest musical organizations, combining a 70-member orchestra with a 55-voice chorus to perform oratorio masterworks alongside symphonic and a cappella repertoire, world premieres and chamber music.

William White conducting the Harmonia Orchestra and Chorus at Benaroya Hall
Harmonia performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Benaroya Hall, May 2023

Mission Statement

Harmonia tells profound stories of the human condition through the passionate performance of classical music. We are committed to the idea that music has the power to touch the soul, lift the spirit and change lives.

History

George Shangrow

Founded by George Shangrow in 1969 as the Seattle Chamber Singers, from its inception the group performed a diverse array of music — works of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods to contemporary pieces and world premieres — accompanied by an ad hoc group of instrumentalists for Bach cantatas and Handel oratorios (many of which received their first Seattle performances at SCS concerts).

A decade later, in 1979, Shangrow formed an orchestra at the request of these musicians, calling it the Broadway Chamber Symphony (after the Broadway Performance Hall on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, where it gave its first concerts). The orchestra’s name soon became the Broadway Symphony and then (beginning with the 1991–1992 season) Orchestra Seattle. With Shangrow on the podium (or conducting from the harpsichord), the combined ensembles became renowned for performances of the Bach Passions and numerous Handel oratorios — particularly Messiah.

William White conducting Harmonia at Bastyr Chapel, December 2023
William White conducting Harmonia in Handel’s Messiah at Bastyr Chapel, December 2023

During the “Bach Year” of 1985, the organization presented 35 concerts devoted to dozens upon dozens of Bach’s works to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Over the past five decades, the ensemble has performed all of the greatest choral-orchestral masterpieces, from Beethoven’s Ninth and Missa Solemnis to Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Mendelssohn’s Elijah to Brahms’ German Requiem, and Haydn’s The Creation and The Seasons to Britten’s War Requiem. Meanwhile, the orchestra, partnering with world-class soloists, has explored the symphonic repertoire, programming beloved warhorses alongside seldom-performed gems. Throughout, Shangrow championed the music of local composers (in particular Huntley Beyer, Robert Kechley, Roupen Shakarian and Carol Sams), presenting well over 100 world premieres.

George Shangrow lost his life in a car crash on July 31, 2010, an event that shocked not only our musicians and our audiences, but the entire Pacific Northwest musical community. Over the ensuing three seasons, the volunteer performers of our orchestra and chorus partnered with a number of distinguished guest conductors to carry on the astounding musical legacy Shangrow created. Clinton Smith then led the group as its second music director for four seasons.

William White conducting Harmonia at Benaroya Hall, May 2023
William White conducting Harmonia at Benaroya Hall, May 2023

Beginning with the 2018–2019 season, William White has served as Harmonia’s music director and principal conductor. White’s tenure has been marked by several notable developments: a season devoted to the works of Lili Boulanger; the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations; a pandemic-year commissioning project; and the adoption of a new name: Harmonia.

Harmonia performs Haydn’s The Seasons, November 2023
Harmonia performs Haydn’s The Seasons, November 2023

Board of Directors

Staff